United Spinal Associationhttp://www.unitedspinal.org
Sharing The Journey
Thu, 21 Mar 2019 17:11:10 +0000 en-US
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1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.1.1United Spinal & New York City Reach Landmark Agreement to Improve Sidewalk Accessibilityhttp://www.unitedspinal.org/united-spinal-new-york-city-reach-agreement-to-improve-sidewalk-accessibility/
Tue, 19 Mar 2019 19:14:46 +0000http://www.unitedspinal.org/?p=28218United Spinal Association and Center for Independence of the Disabled, New York (CIDNY) have reached an historic settlement agreement with the City of New York that will vastly improve sidewalk accessibility for wheelchair users and other members of the disability community.

NEW YORK, NY – March 19, 2019 — United Spinal Association and Center for Independence of the Disabled, New York (CIDNY) have reached an historic settlement agreement with the City of New York that will vastly improve sidewalk accessibility for wheelchair users and other members of the disability community.

On March 19, 2019, the Honorable Judge George B. Daniels of the Southern District of New York, issued preliminary approval of the settlement agreement, stating, “The agreement sets out a reasonable result for what should be an integral part of a first class city.”

The agreement will require: completion of pedestrian ramp installations and upgrades, on specified schedules, at the approximately 162,000 street corners in the City; City-wide surveys (using laser technology) of all ramps; ongoing maintenance; complaint remediation; third-party monitoring; creation of a new Pedestrian Ramp Unit at the Department of Transportation (directed by an Associate Commissioner); and sharing of detailed information.

These widespread ramp installations and upgrades will be accomplished through coordinated construction programs, including in connection with the City’s roadway resurfacing operations, mutually agreed prioritization criteria, complaints made by members of the public, and maintenance on an on-going, indefinite and regular basis.

“We’ve been fighting for more than 25 years to ensure that people with disabilities who live in, commute to, and visit our City are able to navigate it safely,” said James Weisman, United Spinal’s President and CEO, “Missing and non-compliant curb ramps pose great, often insurmountable, barriers to people with disabilities. This agreement provides for removal of those barriers in all five boroughs, and will set an important example for jurisdictions that have not yet made their street corners accessible. We commend the City for working with us and taking the appropriate actions to address this critical issue.”

Robert B. Stulberg of Broach & Stulberg, LLP, the New York City law firm that represents the Plaintiff Class and Class Representative United Spinal, remarked, “This landmark agreement will make it possible for people with mobility and vision disabilities in New York City to finally and fully exercise their basic civil right to cross safely from one side of the street to the other.”

Susan Dooha, Executive Director of Co-Class Representative CIDNY added: “For people who are blind or use walkers or wheelchairs, it shouldn’t be necessary to take your life in your hands while crossing the street to go to work, attend classes, or visit friends and family.”

In 1994, United Spinal (then known as Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association), sued the City for its failure to install curb ramps. A 2002 settlement, so ordered by the Honorable Thomas P. Griesa, required the City to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to install ramps City-wide, and established a Working Group to share data and resolve disputes. Subsequently, United Spinal, through the Working Group, raised concerns about completion of ramp installations, the need to upgrade ramps that were not ADA-compliant; and improvements needed to the ramp complaint response system.

In 2014, CIDNY filed a lawsuit alleging that the City had failed to install and maintain ramps in Community Boards 1, 2 and 3 in Manhattan. Both the CIDNY and United Spinal lawsuits were heard by Judge Daniels. In the last two and a half-years, counsel for the City, United Spinal and CIDNY engaged in negotiations and mediation that resulted in the settlement agreement.

On March 13, 2019, counsel for United Spinal and the Plaintiff Class, and counsel for CIDNY submitted to the Court, with the City’s consent, a motion seeking preliminary approval of the settlement agreement. That motion was approved by Judge Daniels on March 19, 2019 and an initial fairness hearing is set for July 23, 2019 at 10am.

About United Spinal Association
Formed in 1946 by paralyzed veterans, United Spinal is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Americans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), including multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, ALS and post-polio. Membership is free and open to all individuals with SCI/D, with over 53,000 members across 50 chapters nationwide. Known for its revolutionary advocacy efforts, United Spinal played a significant role in writing the Americans with Disabilities Act, provided important contributions to the Fair Housing Amendments Act and the Air Carrier Access Act, and was instrumental in attaining sidewalk curb ramps and accessible public transportation in New York City, which created the standard accessibility model used in many United States cities.

About Broach & Stulberg, LLP
Founded in 1985, Broach & Stulberg, LLP represents individuals with disabilities, disability rights organizations, executives, professionals and hourly employees, labor unions, and employee benefit funds. Among the firm’s disability rights cases are federal court class actions requiring installation and upgrade of curb ramps in New York City, requiring elevator access to a Jersey City PATH train station, challenging removal of New York City’s street alarm box system, and challenging the use of an inaccessible bus system in Brooklyn. The firm also provides representation in disability discrimination and retaliation cases, and in disability income policy disputes.

]]>Multiple Sclerosis Disease-Modifying Therapieshttp://www.unitedspinal.org/multiple-sclerosis-disease-modifying-therapies/
Thu, 14 Mar 2019 14:52:10 +0000http://www.unitedspinal.org/?p=28185There are currently, 15 disease-modifying agents approved by the FDA to treat MS. The goal of disease-modifying treatment is to reduce the early clinical and sub-clinical disease activity that is thought to contribute to long-term disability.

]]>There are currently, 15 disease-modifying agents approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat multiple sclerosis (MS).

The goal of disease-modifying treatment is to reduce the early clinical and sub-clinical disease activity that is thought to contribute to long-term disability.

Several important themes emerge from the growing body of evidence in MS therapeutics:

1.) Early successful control of disease activity – including the reduction of clinical and sub-clinical attacks and the delay of the progressive phase of the disease – appears to play a key role in preventing accumulation of disability, prolonging the ability of people with MS to remain active and engaged, and protecting quality of life.

2.) Physical impairments comprise only one aspect of disability that results from early disease activity and disease progression. Cognitive impairment and fatigue are common early in the disease process and cause disability independent of physical function. In addition, common physical comorbidities in MS are associated with persistent fatigue, and depression at baseline is associated with worsening fatigue over time.

4.) Adherence to treatment is important to efficacy and may be impacted by a wide range of factors requiring early identification and intervention.

In 2018, the American Academy of Neurology published the Practice Guideline: Disease-Modifying Therapies for Adults with Multiple Sclerosis. The Guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for starting, switching and stopping disease-modifying agents.

These recommendations consider the patient’s perspective in the complex decision-making process in order to enhance shared decision-making. Refer to the full Guideline at AAN.com/guidelines.

The following points highlight the importance of early treatment:

Neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration occur simultaneously throughout the disease course

Individuals with a first clinical event accompanied by MRI findings consistent with MS have a high probability of experiencing further clinical disease activity

Individuals with radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS – the incidental finding of MS-like lesions in the absence of known clinical relapses) are at significant risk for subsequent clinical disease activity

Cognitive changes, depression and fatigue occur very early in the disease process

So-called “benign MS” may not be benign for many people

Although none of the available treatments are fully effective in stopping MS disease activity or disease progression, evidence points to the favorable impact of treatment following a first clinical event: delaying conversion to clinically-definite MS; and reducing brain atrophy and disability worsening.

Each of the approved disease-modifying therapies has been shown to provide significant benefits in relapsing and progressive forms of MS.

Once a disease-modifying treatment is initiated, evidence suggests that treatment needs to be ongoing for benefits to persist. Cessation of treatment has been shown to negatively impact clinical and MRI outcomes.

Disease-modifying treatment has also been found to be beneficial in the treatment of pediatric MS, and in women and men in their reproductive years.

Although there is still much that we do not fully understand about the pathophysiology of MS, the last 20 years have provided a significant number of treatment options that improve prognosis and quality of life for people with MS. Furthermore, the growing body of evidence highlights the importance of early and ongoing access to and treatment with disease-modifying therapies.

]]>Continuing the Legacy of James J. Petershttp://www.unitedspinal.org/continuing-the-legacy-of-james-j-peters/
Tue, 12 Mar 2019 18:36:29 +0000http://www.unitedspinal.org/?p=28167Dr. Jim Post was chosen for the March cover of New Mobility magazine because, as far as we know, of being the first quadriplegic to successfully gain admittance to and graduate from a medical school.

Why was Dr. Jim Post chosen for the March cover of United Spinal Association’s New Mobility magazine?

He was chosen because of his history, as far as we know, of being the first quadriplegic to successfully gain admittance to and graduate from a medical school; also, for his having risen to his current position, Chief of Internal Medicine, at James J. Peters VA Medical Center, a major, respected teaching/research hospital.

It was only after we had chosen him that we realized the connection to the Bronx VA Med Center and United Spinal Association.

Peters founded United Spinal after sustaining a spinal cord injury in 1967 in preparation for a tour in Vietnam. He was a paraplegic patient at the Bronx VA, which was later exposed for its “deplorable conditions” by Peters and Ron Kovic (author of the book, Born on the Fourth of July and movie of the same name.)

Peters served as President of Eastern Paralyzed Veteran’s Association (which later changed its name to United Spinal Association) and became known for his lifetime commitment and pioneering advocacy for people with SCI. An October 2009 article in the Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine (J Spinal Cord Med. 2009 Oct; 32(5): 501–502) pays tribute to Peters and includes the following excerpt:

“In addition to the James Peters VA Medical Center, he is memorialized by the James Peters Veterans Leadership Awards, the James J. Peters Conference Room at Yale University, the VA’s James J. Peters Memorial SCI Scholar Award and the James J. Peters Distinguished Service Award. … [For Jim Peters] … No path was unexplored, no obstacle avoided in his quest to advance the care of people with spinal cord injury and the field of spinal cord medicine. His personal brand of advocacy furthered health care, research, education, transportation, housing, and legislation for all people with disabilities.

Peters’ strategy was straightforward—he simply refused to accept no for an answer. More than any memorial, this is his legacy.”

Dr. Jim Post fits perfectly into the spirit of Jim Peters’ legacy, having distinguished himself in the field of medicine by also refusing to take no for an answer.

]]>Colorado Springs Chapter of United Spinal Associationhttp://www.unitedspinal.org/disability-products-services/colorado-springs-chapter-of-united-spinal-association/
Tue, 12 Mar 2019 17:50:43 +0000http://www.unitedspinal.org/copy-of-southeastern-wisconsin-chapter-of-united-spinal-association/The mission of the Colorado Springs Chapter of United Spinal Association is to empower persons with spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities to achieve independence and full community participation.

The Colorado Springs SCI Support Group provides opportunities for individuals with spinal cord injuries, primarily outpatients, to reconnect around living life with a spinal cord injury.

Inpatients are welcome to attend. The group is casual in nature offering educational, recreational, and supportive resources for individuals as well as for their families. This group will meet the 3rd Wednesday of every month from 12–1 pm. Meetings will be held at the UCHealth Memorial Hospital Community Education Center located at 2050 KidsKare Point in Colorado Springs (80910). We also look to increase our member retention by actively adding events on our calendar throughout the year.

Our Mission
Our mission is to support and provide resources to people with spinal cord injuries and assist them in achieving the highest possible levels of health and quality of life. We educate the newly injured, families, public officials, community leaders, and citizens to the needs of those with spinal cord injuries

Our Key Values
Our foundation’s values help to define the activities of our organization and provide direction to the board of directors on the allocation of our resources.

Knowledge and experience of our members and volunteers is our most valuable resource.

We need to have a strong and diverse base of members and volunteers who are spinal cord injury individuals and supporters.

Education and awareness are the most important services we can provide our community.

Our Primary Objectives
As with most foundations our resources are limited which prevent us from meeting all requests for assistance. Because of this we have identified the following areas to help us allocate our resources to keep them in-line with our core values and mission.

To provide counseling and advice to newly injured individuals and their families to help them overcome the fears, doubts, and numerous obstacles facing those with spinal cord injuries.

To provide education and prevention services to the youth in our community to raise awareness of spinal cord injuries and the activities that can lead to spinal cord injuries.

To provide services and activities to our members to help build a strong network within our community, and to assist those in need.

To act as an advocate on behalf of our members to help make sure public places are accessible and they are not discriminated against.

To provide funding and assistance to research efforts that are striving to find a cure for spinal cord injuries.

About Rachel Frey
Six months ago, if you asked me who loved me, I would have said that maybe only ten or so people even cared if I lived or not. I realized that when I had lost hope, all beauty and things good were masked by misperceived illusions.

I have learned so much in these past five months. One of the most important lessons that I’d like to share is that when one feels all hope is lost, turn inward. Your mind and body will fight hard for survival even if your soul has quit trying.

]]>Beach’N Buggy’s – Powered Beach Wheelchairshttp://www.unitedspinal.org/disability-products-services/beachn-buggys-beach-wheelchairs/
Sun, 10 Mar 2019 07:37:06 +0000http://unitedspinal.org/?p=28114Beach’N Buggy’s has leveled the playing-field; it allows everyone to get out on the sand and get a little sunshine in their lives.

Beach’N Buggy’s has leveled the playing-field; it allows everyone to get out on the sand and get a little sunshine in their lives.

Every beach wheelchair from Beach N Buggy’s is custom designed with the client’s needs considered throughout the entire building process. Our chairs are built with all heavy duty components; using 4 pole 1 hp motors, 24 volt 120 amp controller/joystick combination. We also allow customers to choose between 55ah or 33ah batteries. We can powdercoat your Buggy’s any color under the sun. We also offer racing or traditional seats.

Beach N Buggy’s offers a 4 wheel design for a more traditional wheelchair and a 3 wheel design for a more sport style wheelchair, as well as custom builds for beach carts. The motors, control systems and tires are where much of the cost comes into play. As you can imagine nothing on these chairs is readily available and most parts are handmade in small quantities.

Dynamic Repair Solutions offers power wheelchair repair and maintenance services that meet our customers’ needs, we provide at-home service, and we are able to do so throughout the contiguous 48 states.

We specialize in the repair and maintenance of power wheelchairs and scooters. If you have a power wheelchair or scooter and require service, we provide the services you are seeking. Calling upon highly skilled service technicians with an expert understanding of the mechanical and electrical components of your chair, and using only the highest quality parts and accessories, we can ensure that your wheelchair is in peak condition.

Should your wheelchair require servicing at one of our facilities, you can rest easy knowing that we will provide you with a loaner chair at no cost for the duration of the repairs.

At Dynamic Repair Solutions, we understand just how important our customers’ power wheelchairs and scooters are to them and for this reason, we utilize only the highest quality components. If your chair requires service, you can trust that we will install parts that meet or exceed the manufacturing standards of your original equipment components.

What differentiates Dynamic Repair Solutions from other medical device companies? We send our technicians to your home to provide on-site service, as in the days of the traveling doctor making house calls. We understand that mobility is an issue for our customers; to ask them to get up out of their homes and travel to one of our repair facilities simply isn’t right. Additionally, by working with technicians throughout the country, we can actually broaden our reach beyond what would be possible if the service of your wheelchair or scooter was dependent on a facility in your neighborhood.

Patient Care Medical has 20+ years serving patient catheter needs. We are a one stop shop for all your catheter supplies.

Catheter Supplies delivered to your doorstep Nationwide. 100’s of quality catheter sizes, styles and types to choose from. Choosing Catheter Supplies is as easy as 1,2,3! First of all, are you aware of the newest technological advances in catheter manufacturing? Did you know that the newest catheters are virtually pain-free, as a result creating better comfort? In addition, have you heard of the new, discreet “pocket catheter”?

Would you like some no-obligation free samples? We are here to answer all of your questions. But most of all to provide you with the best products according to your medical needs.

Patient Care Medical provides catheters with the latest technology. Catheters designed and engineered for greater comfort and ease of use.

Our Catheter program is designed to ensure that your catheter needs will always be accommodated. Products shipped directly to you!

Features of the program include:

“No hassle” ordering and monthly or quarterly auto-ship re-orders

Your own personal Customer Care Representative

Free and discreet shipping

We work with your physician to ensure you’re receiving the right product for your needs

We handle everything including billing to your insurance

Is your co-pay causing a financial burden? We may be able to eliminate it

]]>VMI – Wheelchair Adapted Vehicles & Liftshttp://www.unitedspinal.org/disability-products-services/vmi/
Sat, 09 Mar 2019 22:43:44 +0000http://unitedspinal.org/?p=28087VMI offers a variety of new and used wheelchair-adapted vehicles and lifts that can accommodate almost any wheelchair user.

VMI offers a variety of new and used wheelchair-adapted vehicles and lifts, VMI can accommodate almost any wheelchair user. Whether you want more room, style, entertainment features or just a great value, one of our VMI handicap-accessible minivans can provide it.

VMI is one of the largest manufacturers of wheelchair van conversions, we take great pride in building leading-edge mobility products that meet the needs of our customers. With a genuine care for the disabled community as our driving force, we have been constantly innovating and working to improve our products and our service throughout our long history.

VMI was created in response to a need. As a pioneer in the mobility vehicle industry, VMI began when its original founders were challenged to build a better handicap-accessible vehicle for a close family friend. Looking to find a more convenient and simple solution than the traditional mobility lift, our founders took an Oldsmobile Toronado and created easier access by dropping the floor and installing a wheelchair ramp system. This endeavor was so successful, they later applied this innovative technology to a Chrysler minivan, and officially introduced the first wheelchair-accessible minivan in 1987.

Look Up

]]>Begum Law Group – Personal Injury Attorneys In Texashttp://www.unitedspinal.org/disability-products-services/begum-law-group/
Sat, 09 Mar 2019 20:16:58 +0000http://unitedspinal.org/?p=28081The personal injury attorneys at Begum Law Group serve a wide range of clients who have incurred harm under a variety of circumstances.

With offices in Brownsville, San Antonio, McAllen, and Laredo, the personal injury attorneys at Begum Law Group serve a wide range of clients who have incurred harm under a variety of circumstances. From minor fender benders to serious truck crashes, our lawyers are prepared to help you and your family fight for the compensation you deserve after being harmed by a negligent party. Our Texas injury lawyers have the experience, knowledge, and skills that are necessary to ensure your rights remain protected throughout the entire personal injury claims process.

Begum Law Group is different from other personal injury firms in that we do not seek to process a large volume of cases. We intentionally limit the number of cases we accept and assign to each lawyer, so that every client receives the personal and proper attention he or she deserves. We do not merely handle cases; we represent real people with real problems on an individual basis. Our firm can help you understand your rights regarding your legal matter.

The Ruby Slipper Car Seat Cover® was created for my mother, Ruby Miles. She had several medical and physical conditions that zapped her of upper and lower body strength. For instance, she had problems getting into the car. She could only get as far as the edge of the passenger’s seat and did not have the strength to push herself back in to the seat to put on her seat belt. My problem was I did not have the strength to get her back into the seat either.

The Ruby Slipper® was the answer. It was no longer difficult to get my mother into the car safely, and did not take super powers to do! I thought this was a type of “swivel car seat for seniors” that other people with aging parents could appreciate, too.